Each week I receive an email containing news articles gleaned from both Chinese and foreign publications concerning current events in China. Since Beijing won the bid for the 2008 Olympics, there has been a section of that email dedicated exclusively to news related to the games. I was incredibly entertained by an article in today's edition (find it below).
Beijing approves Olympics 'cheer' (June 5, 2008, BBC News)
Beijing Olympic chiefs are introducing an official cheer for patriotic spectators to spur on Team China at the Games, Chinese media reports. The authoritative, four-part Olympic cheer, accompanied by detailed instructions, will be promoted on TV, in schools and with a poster campaign. It involves clapping twice, giving the thumbs-up, clapping twice more and then punching the air with both arms. The cheer is accompanied by chants of "Olympics", "Let's go" and "China". The Beijing Olympic Organising Committee has hired 30 cheering squads who will show spectators how it is done at Games stadia, reports Xinhua state media. A committee official said the simple chants and gestures were designed to help spectators cheer for their favourite athletes in a smooth, civilized manner. The Ministry of Education is also arranging special training sessions in schools for the 800,000 students who are expected to attend the Games. Li Ning, president of the Beijing Etiquette Institute, told the Beijing News that the cheer was in line with general international principles for cheering, while at the same time possessing characteristics of Chinese culture.
I'm looking forward to watching the Olympic games from my parents' couch in Texas far away from the chaos that will be Beijing. And now I'm looking forward to watching the crowds at least as much as the actual events.
An organized cheer.... I would expect nothing less. : )
ReplyDeleteI hope they throw some "Add oil!"s in there....
There are so many times when I want to cheer in a smooth civilized manner and don't know what to say or do.....
ReplyDelete